Board of Directors & Committees

DFW LeaderSHPE Organization

Since 1981 we have had hundreds of individuals volunteer their time on the SHPE DFW Board of Directors (BOD) & planning committees to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to Junior High, High School and College students from diverse backgrounds.

Chapter Bylaws

Articles of Incorporation

2023-2024 LeaderSHPE Team

This year's SHPE DFW Board of Directors are:

MIGUEL SOTO

President
president@shpe-dfw.org

Employer / title

SHIELD Engineering Group
E.I.T.

Alma mater / degree

University of Texas at Arlington, 2018
B.S. Civil Engineering

Biography

I maneuvered my way through the educational journey until I achieved my dream of becoming an engineer as a first generation student. I grew up in the neighbor cities of Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico and El Paso, Tx until I finished highschool. Right after, I moved to Arlington, Tx and got my Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from UT Arlington in 2018. Now as a full time engineer, I have the the ability to give back to SHPE and help other students accomplish their career goals just as other SHPE folks helped me when I was a student. It feels great seeing future engineers achieve their goals and launch their professional careers, it reminds me of my personal struggle of going through college leading the way as a first generation student! I feel privileged being selected as an officer for the SHPE DFW Professional Chapter since it will give me the opportunity to help those in need and become a role model for future generations.

ethnicity / background

Ethnicity: Mexican
City Born In: Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico
Hometown: El Paso, TX

DANALI SANCHEZ

Vice President
vice_president @shpe-dfw.org

Employer / title

USAA
Sofware Engineer

alma mater / degree

University of Texas at Arlington
B.S. Software Engineering, 2017
M.S. Computer Science, 2018

biography

Having such a huge accomplishment for being the largest chapter of the nation, I would like to push for more engagement in our members. Getting them to join in on planning committees for events. Also keep engaging with other companies and organizations around DFW to be able to hold events at different offices so members can network, get exposure and learn about other opportunities.

Ethnicity / Background

Ethnicity: Mexican
Born in:
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX

JONATHON MONTEZ CERDA

Secretary
secretary@shpe-dfw.org

Employer/Title

Sysdig
Cloud Sales Engineer

Alma mater / degree

University of North Texas

Biography

Jonathon is a servant leader who is passionate about helping underrepresented communities with STEM enablement, and leadership development. He is currently focusing on helping students that are enrolled in University curriculum and those who are looking to transition to the tech industry from traditional engineering roles

Ethnicity / background

Ethnicity:
Born:
Hometown:

ROSEMARY SANCHEZ

Treasurer
treasurer@shpe-dfw.org

employer / title

Texas Instruments

alma mater / degree

University of Arkansas, 2021
B.S. Electrical and Electronics Engineer

biography

As a new college graduate, I moved from Arkansas to Texas without knowing anyone, but knowing this was the move I needed to make to progress my career. I was active in SHPE throughout college and coming to Dallas I knew I would have the professional chapter to lean on as I was transitioning from a college student to a professional. I have taken part of events and programs that our SHPE chapter has such as the GLEDA program, volunteering events, and the GALA which have showed me how many opportunities there are out there for me and reassured me that SHPE is a familia. I believe through being active in my undergraduate and professional career with SHPE, and having a different viewpoint not being from Dallas I can help share how much opportunity there is to grow with our chapter to others and share what events could be added to grow our chapter.

Ethnicity / background

Ethnicity: Mexican
Born:
Hometown:

ANA CONTRERAS

Marketing Director
marketing@shpe-dfw.org

Employer / title

Standard Motor Parts
BI Developer

alma mater / degree

B.S. University of Texas at Arlington
Masters in Data Analytics, 2020

biography

I would like to see more community outreach and a growth in active members. With great marketing, the organization can grow its active members. Along with social and professional seminars happening monthly. If we have a limited budget, fundraisers would be the best option to raise money and help others know about our organization. Always returning to our main goal, making an impact within our community.

Ethnicity / Background

Ethnicity: Mexican
Born: Mexico City, Mexico
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX

FROYLAN PAREDES

Public Relations Director
partnerships@shpe-dfw.org

Employer / title

Splunk
Solutions Engineer

alma mater / degree

Universtiy of North Texas, 2022
B.S. Mechanical and Energy Engineering

biography

Ethnicity / Background

Ethnicity: Mexican
Born: Denton, TX
Hometown: Denton, TX

MATTHEW MAGANA

Membership Director
membership@shpe-dfw.org

Employer / title

Leidos Engineering
PDS Project Mechanical Engineer

alma mater / degree

Universtiy of North Texas, 2022
B.S. Mechanical and Energy Engineering

biography

I joined SHPE DFW in 2022 after I graduated from UNT with a B.S. in Mechanical and Energy Engineering. As an alumni, I remain heavily active in supporting the growth of SHPE DFW, SHPE UNT and SHPE as a whole. I enjoy meeting new people and making everyone feel included. I use this gift to promote excitement for volunteering and community outreach. I love to share my background in engineering to spark fascination in others’ minds. I would like to see continued growth and development of the chapter, more SHPE DFW onboarding members, and all of you at more SHPE events!

ethnicity / background

Ethnicity: Mexican-Salvadorans
Born: Denton, TX
Hometown: Denton, TX

STEPHANIE FIGUEROA

Professional Development Director
professional_development@shpe-dfw.org

Employer / title

Lockheed Martin
Software Engineer

alma mater / degree

B.S. Computer Science- Universit of Texas at El Paso, 2019
M.S. Computer Science- Universit of Texas at El Paso, 2021

biography

Stephanie joined SHPE DFW in 2021 as a GLEDA member and has served in the fundraising committee prior to her position as Community Outreach Director. In this role she hopes to expand the chapter's reach within the DFW metroplex. She is specifically focused on the execution of enrichment events for young and aspiring STEM professionals.

Ethnicity / Background

Ethnicity:Mexican-American
Born: El Paso, TX
Hometown: El Paso,TX

ARGELIA SIMON

Community Outreach Director
community_outreach@shpe-dfw.org

Employer / title

Con-Real LP
Project Manager

alma mater / degree

University of Texas at Dallas, 2018
B.S. Mechanical Engineering

biography

Professional SHPE Career: DFW Gleda Mentee 2020-2021. SHPETinas speaker for UTD in 2021 in collaboration with SHPE DFW. Panelist for Cristo Rey School. Has expressed interest in being involved with leadership. She is very engaged with the chapter and its events. Involved with other organizations outside of SHPE DFW and would be great to see the chapter strengthen ties with other organizations in the DFW area. Diversity Equity & Inclusion Communications Co-Chair 2022-2023 for the National Association of Women in Construction(NAWIC). Passionate about helping other minorities pursue careers in ACE/STEM.

Ethnicity / Background

Ethnicity: Mexican
Born in: Dallas, TX
Hometown: Dallas, TX